Canadian Laws

The current situation for exotic animals in Canada is far from perfect. Federally, CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) is the only body that oversees exotics, but they only deal with endangered species. 

Is it legal to own primates in Canada? Do primate owners need permits?

All primates imported into Canada require a CFIA Import Permit.

Requirements for Non-Human Primates Imported into Canada – CFIA, Government of Canada

According to the Canadian Constitution Act (1867), animals are considered property and jurisdiction over exotic animal ownership is given to the provinces.

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Ontario

Ontario is the only province currently lacking any form of provincial legislation regarding exotic animal ownership.

  • The 2003 Ontario Municipal Act gave municipalities the power to enact exotic animal by-laws, which are not standardized, varying between municipalities. Many municipalities have bylaws to control exotic animal ownership, but each defines ‘exotic’ differently. Please check with your local municipality animal by-laws as to whether or not it is legal to own a primate in your area.
  • In 2010, Ontario introduced a private member’s bill to oversee exotic wildlife in captivity (Bill 125), but it did not go beyond first reading. 
  • In 2016, OSPCA suspended investigations into animal cruelty.
  • In 2019, Ontario passed the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act.
  • As of 2020-01-01, Ontario Animal Welfare Services (AWS) replaced the OSPCA.

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British Columbia

In 2009, British Columbia took the lead in preventing the sale of exotic species by enacting legislation on ‘controlled alien species’, which includes all primates. Animals on this list require permits to own. Different permits exist for pet owners, researchers and the entertainment industry.

Controlled Alien Species Regulation, Wildlife Act Review – Government of British Columbia

 

Most other provinces either require a permit to own exotic species or ban them as pets – however zoos are often exempt. This too, varies from province to province.

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Alberta

Alberta only bans animals considered ‘dangerous’ as pets. This includes all primates. 

Province of Alberta Wildlife Act

 

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan specifies which species do and don’t require permits. 

The Wildlife Act – Statutes of Saskatchewan

The Municipalities Act: Dangerous Animals – Statutes of Saskatchewan

 

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Manitoba

Manitoba requires permits for all exotic wildlife, including primates. 

Manitoba wildlife act

 

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Quebec

Quebec specifies which species do and don’t require permits.

Rules about animals in captivity/ Règlement sur les animaux en captivité – Government of Quebec

 

 

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New Brunswick

New Brunswick requires a permit to own exotic species, including primates.

Exotic animals act

 

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Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia does not allow primates to be imported or kept as pets.

Wildlife as Pets: Importation & Captivity Requirements

 

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Prince Edward Island

PEI only bans animals considered ‘dangerous’ as pets. This includes all primates.

Prohibited Wildlife on PEI

 

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 Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador appears to permit the import of monkeys, but not lemurs and other primates.

Wild Life Regulations under the Wild Life Act (O.C. 96-809)